Edith McNeill Ayers

Edith McNeill Ayers was born on September 3, 1943 in Atlanta, GA and passed away on July 5, 2019 in Destin, FL.  She was predeceased by her mother Roberta Sutherland Crew Ayers Tyne, her father Sanford McNeill Ayers, her sister, Virginia Donalson Ayers, her step-father George Henry Tyne, and the last great love of her life, George Ludington. She is survived by her sister Catherine Tyne Jackson (Clay) of Nashville, and her nephew Clay T. Jackson, Jr. (Minnette) of Houston, in addition to many beloved cousins. ‘Neill’, as she was known, enjoyed a great life. When asked recently if she had anything she still wanted to do, she replied, “No, I don’t. Isn’t that amazing? I was able to travel the world when I was young enough to enjoy it and really liked most everyone I have known throughout my life.  I have been so lucky and have absolutely no regrets!” She lived by turns in Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida and was employed for much of her life as a corporate bookkeeper.  While in Louisiana, she attended the 1967 inaugural opening game of the New Orleans Saints and became a life-long champion of their team. She was an avid follower of the “Who Dat Nation” and relished the annual start of football season, settling down to happily binge-watch all of her teams – recounting player stats and loudly disagreeing with incorrect referee calls! She also spent quite a bit of time in Biloxi; although not a risk-taker by nature, she did love to go gambling!  If you met her, you knew her, and if you knew her, you loved her. When she loved you, she would do anything in the world for you.  Kind, funny, irreverent, and fun. Neill leaves behind her “darling little girl Pippa,” exceptional neighbors, and many dear, close friends. Our hearts are full, our eyes are wet. As she used to say, “Who loves ya, baby?!” We do! Neill’s family extends a great debt of thankfulness for the fantastic care provided by her many doctors, nurses, and caregivers in the last few months, and especially for the excellence of Regency Hospice. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Neill with a donation to a charity that supports animals, The Brees Dream Foundation (Brees Dream Foundation), or the charity of your choice. There will be a private graveside service at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA at a later time.  

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